As the movement against State bifurcation intensified, a few voices of dissent are now speaking in support of Greater Rayalaseema. M.V. Ramana Reddy of Proddatur, Gangula Pratap Reddy of Allagadda and Bhuman of Tirupati are among the strong votaries of Rayalaseema as independent State.
They strongly feel that this is the time to speak of Greater Rayalaseema as building a movement of this scale in future would be almost impossible.
Mr. Gangula Pratap Reddy, addressing a press conference here on Monday, urged the leaders of Rayalaseema not to fall in the trap of Coastal Andhra leadership which was scripting the Samaikyandhra movement.
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He contended that unlike in the past, the Coastal Andhra leadership was neither in a mood to offer concessions to Rayalaseema nor particular about retaining the erstwhile Andhra State. Flow of Krishna water down to Krishna delta was priority in those days, but things were different after construction of Pulichintala and Polavaram projects.
No concession was offered to the most backward Rayalaseema at the time of announcement of Polavaram as national project despite expert committees bringing to light the poor living conditions. Mr. Pratap Reddy said he would propose barrage across the Krishna near Siddeswaram that would ensure flow to the Pothireddypadu canals round the year. He said Greater Rayalaseema with four Rayalaseema districts, Prakasam and Nellore be constituted as separate State. He explained that Nellore and Prakasam leaders and people would accept the proposal as the catchment area for their water sources was located in Rayalaseema.